58 Grants Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business

Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help.

Each week, we update this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest. And, if your organization has a program or grant you’d like to see listed here, email us at CO@uschamber.com.

If you’re not sure of the difference between a loan and a grant, check out our explainer here. You can also learn more about all funding options in our small business financing guidehere.

Government grants

Begin your search for a grant from the federal government at Grants.gov. This government site offers the most comprehensive database of funds the government is going to give away. There are thousands of grants to apply for, with opportunities for companies from all backgrounds.

Keep in mind that not all assistance flows directly from the federal government to small businesses. Some funds are distributed to state and local governments and agencies, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. These entities, in turn, distribute the funds or use them to provide technical or educational assistance on a local level.

In addition to the programs listed here, be sure to check with your state and local governments and use the resources listed below. When searching through grant and contracting options, note that you may qualify for more than one program.

As illustrated by the following sampling of grants, the assistance available to you from the government will vary, depending on your specific situation.

• Employee Retention Credit.The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), sometimes called the Employee Retention Tax Credit, is a stimulus program established by the CARES Act.
• This refundable tax credit functions as a grant that helps businesses impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility guidelines are available on theIRS website; the final date to claim this credit is April 15, 2025.
• Illinois Infrastructure Grants. In 2020, Governor Pritzker launched an initiative to improve Illinois’ infrastructure. $3 billion of this was allocated for capital grants through theDepartment of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
• These capital grants, part of Illinois’ $45 billion infrastructure initiative, are designed to support various projects that benefit local communities and businesses. The DCEO maintains a transparent list of these grants, which can be either general or specific project grants. You can find more information about these grants on theGATA website.